A ‘Melo Move
If the New York Knicks are going to trade Carmelo Anthony, then the destination will need to be that of a contender. It’s been reported that Anthony would only consider a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers or Los Angeles Clippers, but it’s worth exploring other options.
Per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Anthony will meet with Phil Jackson to discuss his future with the organization.
New York Knicks prez Phil Jackson plans to meet with disgruntled star forward Carmelo Anthony in the next few days, sources told ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 17, 2017
It’s no secret that Danny Ainge is hoping to find another reliable scoring threat, which makes the Boston Celtics an intriguing option.
In this trade, Anthony would join a Celtics team that wouldn’t be giving up its core to land him. He’d join MVP candidate Isaiah Thomas, All-Defense wing Avery Bradley, and perennial All-Star Al Horford on a team with depth and great coaching.
With the Celtics off to a 26-15 start to the 2016-17 NBA regular season, it stands to reason that Anthony could help elevate Boston to true contender’s status.
For the Knicks, Jae Crowder would represent the long-term acquisition as a borderline elite defender who does a bit of everything on offense. It’s worth noting that Jackson called not acquiring Crowder in the Tyson Chandler trade his biggest mistake as an executive.
Jonas Jerebko and Amir Johnson are on expiring contracts that would clear $17 million in cap space.
Most importantly, the Knicks would receive the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round draft pick. Brooklyn, of course, has the worst record in the NBA. Thus, New York would have the chance to secure the top pick in the draft—and keep its own draft pick.
New York may ask for more, but this deal would better accommodate the timeline of Kristaps Porzingis’ development.
Must Read: Three Carmelo Anthony trade proposals
This may not save the Knicks’ 2016-17 season, but it could improve the roster for years to come.